Nationally known architect and urbanist Daniel Parolek of Opticos Design, Inc., who coined the term “Missing Middle Housing” and other speakers shared their expertise and insights at the forum.

Attendees discuss solutions during the workshop on April 12. (photo by Carmel Snyder)

A morning workshop brought together planners, builders, lenders and other members of the community to identify barriers and challenges, and then also focus on possible solutions and next steps to bring innovative housing that support residents across age, ability and income spectrum. Attendees explored how “missing middle housing” can be instrumental in building successful multi-generational communities.

Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis, who highlighted housing as a priority in her State of the City address in January, and Springfield Mayor Christine Lundberg both emphasized the importance of finding solutions to the housing crunch in the Eugene-Springfield area.